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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.